28 Year Old Arsenal And Everton Target Threatens Departure

Manchester City midfielder James Milner has repeated a previous threat to quit the Etihad Stadium if he does not receive more playing time in the near future, as reported by the Daily Star.

Manuel Pellegrini, the City boss, has given him just two starts since the start of the new season, although he is expected to make an appearance in the League Cup tonight against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

He also started against Chelsea at the weekend, putting together a Man of the Match winning display against the Premier League leaders as City drew 1-1.

With only one year left on his deal, and City keen to renew his contract, Milner is warning that negotiations will not be simple if he does not receive more playing time in the near future.

He said: “I understand I won’t play in every game, I just want a fair crack of the whip, a few more games than I got last year.

“You have to perform as well, and that is never easy when you are in and out of the team.

“I want to play as well as I can, and the more you play the more you can show what you can do.

“I have a year left and have spoken to the club. I love it here and would love to stay at Manchester City but first and foremost I am a footballer and want to play football.

“You want to win trophies and I have been fortunate enough to do that. I want to do that and ideally play in enough games.

“It’s an amazing club to be at – I have won trophies, it has great fans and I am playing with some of the best players in the world.

“If you get that game time as well, it is perfect.

“We have had talks, but I want to see how it goes. Hopefully I will play enough games and can be at City for the long term.”

The Leeds United academy graduate has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Everton over recent months, and both clubs could reignite their interest if his contract issues are not resolves.